FAMILIES have been left devastated after being told centres which provide “lifeline” services to people with additional support needs are to close.

Capability Scotland has said it is no longer able to provide leisure and educational opportunities for those with learning disabilities at West Lane Gardens, in Johnstone, and Whitehaugh, in Glasgow Road, Paisley.

People who use these centres, as well as their loved ones, have said the closures will be a massive blow.

Pat Kinney, whose 47-year-old son Paul attends West Lane Gardens four days a week, told the Gazette: “It’s a major part of his life and he is devastated that it has to shut.

“The activities they offer are part of the reason he gets up and dressed in the morning.

“Paul has made an abundance of friends there and they will miss each other terribly when it closes.

“Now he’s worried that he’s just going to lie in bed all day as he has nothing to look forward to.”

The buildings at West Lane Gardens and Whitehaugh are owned by Renfrewshire Council and are leased to Capability Scotland to provide services to adults with learning disabilities.

However, as changes to the way services are delivered are introduced, Capability Scotland has told council chiefs it will sever its ties with both centres in October.

Paul, who lives in Johnstone, is among those who now face an uncertain future as discussions take place over how services can be provided in future.

Pat, 68, from Houston, said that, with the help of Capability Scotland staff, her son has learned how to cook, use a computer and travel independently.

They have also helped him secure voluntary work and get involved in a choir, drama club and exercise group.

Pat added: “I know Paul is just going to cry all the time once the place closes. It’s such an important facility for the area.”

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, chair of the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board, confirmed that formal notice has been received from Capability Scotland to terminate the contract to deliver services at Whitehaugh and West Lane Gardens.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring we continue to meet the needs of service users and carers who access these services.

“Day services offer a wide range of opportunities for people with a learning disability, giving them the chance to enjoy a range of educational and leisure activities, meet other people and benefit from highly-trained staff.

“The Scottish Government’s introduction of self-directed support legislation gives people more choice and control than ever over when and where they access social care.”

A spokesman for Capability Scotland added: “Capability Scotland can no longer subsidise the delivery of these services and, despite long-standing efforts with Renfrewshire Council and subsequently the Health and Social Care Partnership, we have been unable to develop a sustainable model for the future.

“We are currently in discussion with our customers, their carers and our staff and union partners regarding the impact of our decision to invoke our three-month notice period.”